PET TRANSFER
UK TO AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND

If you require the services of an animal transportation company based in the UK then complete your detail below and we will share them with those listed on this page. This will assist you in obtaining quotations for the pet's journey and the quarantine issues (if any) associated with moving your cat or dog to a part of Australia or New Zealand.

Please provide as much information as you can to support your enquiry.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF PET MIGRATION

Some of us cannot be separated from our pets, no matter whether it's a dog, cat or hamster. In our own case it was a cat that we brought into Australia and she flew out of Manchester airport and into Sydney well before us. Why? Because she needed to spend a month in Sydney quarantine and we figured that once we arrived and found somewhere to rent (pet friendly, of course) then we could arrange to pick her up and start a life together in our new home.

We picked her up from Brisbane airport, putting her through yet another flight in preference to us driving down to Sydney and back, acknowledging how stressful a 1200 mile road trip would be for both parties. By then we hadn't seen her for just over five weeks, having dropped her off at a pet movers a week before the furniture removalists arrived. Just as well seeing how swiftly those guys work and how mischievious our moggy can be. Once dropped off, we left in complete confidence and it was with great delight that a member of the Qantas staff hand delivered us a hand-built wooden pet carrier with integrated water dispenser and a cat inside. Even better it was clearly ours and she hadn't ended up amongst the suitcase on the conveyor.

RELOCATING A PET TO / FROM AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND

Australia, like many international destinations, has stringent quarantine regulations that serve to protect its native fauna and flora as well as its agricultural industries from introduced pests and diseases.

A good pet transport company will customise their process for the origin and destination countries as well as accommodate all types of animals and any specific requirements or needs of the owners.

The following list outlines some of the arrangements that a pet moving company will make when moving a pet to Australia or New Zealand.

1. Once the pet transport company has the preferred dates in place they will arrange a clear and concise itinerary that is forwarded to you with what treatments your pet requires to be successfully prepared for travel. The company will advise you on the type of accredited vet that must be used.

2. Once your pet has successfully completed the required vaccinations and antibody tests, you will need to send the results to the pet transport company so they can analyse the results and commence government endorsements and import permit applications.

3. Once the import permit is issued, the company is able to book quarantine. Quarantine is often booked up three months in advance so it is important to keep this in mind. A good pet transport company will be up to date with the daily status of a country’s quarantine facilities.

4. Around 30 days prior to departure, the pet transport company will start making bookings with the airlines. Unfortunately for pet bookings, airline cargo departments will only accept a booking around three to four weeks prior to the expected departure. This is due to unexpected changes in schedule, aircraft type (not all aircrafts are equipped to take pets) or if there is any other cargo booked that pets may be incompatible with.

5. On the days leading up to the collection of the pet, the pet transport company will ensure that the final vet visits are in place and that you are fully aware of the arrangements, including the specific collection time. The company will also select the most appropriate pet capsule based on your pet’s size, shape, weight and temperament.

6. On the day of collection your pet transport company will collect your pet and deliver them to the airport, including arranging a comfort stop at an approved kennel (an integral and crucial part of the process as it gives your pet a chance to be refreshed prior to their trip).

7. After a successful comfort stop, departure and flight, the pet transport company will notify you of your pet’s arrival. While your pet is in quarantine, your family will be able to visit.

As everybody’s and every pet’s circumstances are different, a professional pet transport company will have the experience, flexibility and the resources to find and assist with solutions which meet your specific criteria.

CASE STUDY:
SULLIVAN THE BASSET HOUND MOVES TO AUSTRALIA

Sullivan hadn’t flown before. He was a bit nervous but because his trip was organised by a professional pet transport company he arrived healthy and happy at his destination.

After a long and enjoyable life in New York with many happy outings in Central Park, Sullivan, along with his owners, got the call to relocate to Perth, Australia.

Australia, like many international destinations, has stringent quarantine regulations that serve to protect its native fauna and flora as well as its agricultural industries from introduced pests and diseases.

Fortunately Sullivan’s owners employed the service of a professional pet transport company.

The company’s global knowledge of disease prevention, quarantine regulations and travel documentation, ensured that Sullivan received the required treatment prior to departing, reducing the time he had to spend in quarantine in Australia to the minimum of 30 days.

Pet transport companies also build and maintain strong relationships with airlines so that Sullivan only spent the minimum time in the air and arrived in Perth via the fastest route.

While Sullivan’s owners were squeezed into their airline seats, the transport company ensured that Sullivan’s time in the air was relaxing and comfortable by correctly selecting an appropriate pet capsule.

The choice of travel container for Sullivan was an essential ingredient of his successful move as all Basset Hounds, not to mention all pets, vary dramatically in their size, shape, weight and temperament.

Preparations for Sullivan’s trip started six months prior to his departure date. The company factored in the long and complicated process when sending a pet to any ‘category four’ country, such as Australia, France, Germany, Holland and Chile.

The process included the timing of Sullivan’s vaccinations and antibody blood tests, sourcing the appropriate vet to administer the treatments and tests, and the timing of Sullivan’s collection, flights, comfort stops and arrival.